New to Hiking? An Uncomplicated Guide to Hiking for Beginners -

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do, with hammocking being a close second. Spending time in nature is so relaxing and peaceful. It’s also a great way to disconnect from our busy lives and slow down! That said, getting into hiking can feel overwhelming at first—from finding the right trails to learning about trail safety and figuring out essential gear. But with a little guidance, it can become one of the most rewarding hobbies you’ll ever take on.

That is where this uncomplicated guide to hiking for beginners comes in. I don’t want to over complicate hiking- it really is an easy, rewarding hobby. This guide will outline the basics, including how to stay safe and pick the right trails.

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Hiking for Beginners: Choosing the Right Trail

There are plenty of sites, blogs, and apps to help you find trails in your area. After I find one I like to search it on AllTrails to see the reviews people have recently left so I know what to expect. AllTrails can be a great tool for finding trails but the mileage can be off at time. I suggest double checking on google what the length of the trail actually is.

Most sites will give trails a rating of easy, moderate or hard, along with mileage and elevation gain. For your first trail I’d recommend choosing an easy hike. Then, depending on your fitness level, progress to moderate or even hard.

Mileage: Typically the miles listed refer to round trips. If it says “out and back” you walk to a certain point then head back the way you came to end the trail. If the trail is a “loop”, you won’t have to turn around at any point, the trail loops back to the parking lot or where you started.

Elevation: Elevation gain refers to how many feet you’ll gain during the hike. You might start out at 1,500ft in elevation and end at 2,000ft elevation. In this case the elevation gain listed will be 500ft. A short hike with high elevation gain will likely be harder. A long hike with a high elevation gain could be a gradual slope so the hike won’t be as hard.

Hiking Gear – The Basic

Water- weather its a water bottle or hydration bladder you should always pack more water than you think you’ll need. I personally prefer a hydration bladder because it holds more water and is easy to drink while walking.
Backpack– I definitely recommend investing in a hiking backpack but it doesn’t have to be anything crazy or expensive. A good one should have straps for stabilization and to transfer the weight from your shoulders to your hips. Most will have a dedicated spot for your hydration bladder as well, so you can easily drink while hiking.
Trail Shoes/Hiking Boots– Optional but if you’re going to be hiking frequently they are definitely a good investment. Hiking boots offer ankle support and better tread for a variety of terrains. If you’re only hiking a few times a year or on easy terrain a good pair of tennis shoes will do the trick!
Snacks- granola bars, trail mix, sandwiches, etc. you want to make sure you have food to replenish energy lost during your hike.

These are the most basic items to have for your first hike, but for a complete list of essentials to take hiking, check out this list!

Wildlife Safety

Don’t let the fear of running into animals scare you off from hiking. While it can be scary, the animals usually are just as afraid of you as you are of them. If you do encounter animals on the trail:

Be sure to give them plenty of space. If they are on the trail, wait for them to pass before you continue or see if you can take another route.
NEVER try to touch or pet an animal. Even if they seem friendly, you don’t want to risk harming them or yourself.
Carry bear spray. Not necessary on all trails but if you’re headed into bear country, you’ll definitely need it with you in an easily accessible place.
If the trail isn’t very busy, talk loudly or play music to let wildlife know you’re there. More than likely they’ll hear the noise and head the other direction.

Tips for Hiking for Beginners

Don’t leave the trail. You might be tempted to leave the trail to get a better view or take a shortcut, but doing so can damage plants and lead to soil erosion. Trails are also built and maintained to keep you safe. Going off trail could put you at risk of falls or encounters with wildlife.

Be Considerate. Typically the hiker going up hill has the right of way. If you’re on a tight trail and you’re coming back down, stop to the side and let them pass. If you notice someone coming up behind you who is going faster, stop and let them pass. Don’t play loud music or scream so everyone on the trail can hear you.

Leave no trace. Whatever you take with you on the hike needs to be brought back with you. Don’t leave behind trash, clothes, fruit peels, etc. If you see trash along the trail, grab it and throw it away when you reach the parking lot.

Bring a map. If you’re visiting a national or state park, grab a map before hitting the trail in case you get turned around. You can also take a screenshot on your phone.

Check the weather. This one sounds like a given but you should always check the weather before you start the trail. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a thunderstorm. Also take into consideration the temperature when choosing how to dress and how much water to bring. If it’s going to be well into the 90s, definitely pack lots of water and start your hike early in the day.

Tell someone where you’re hiking. If you get hurt on the trail, encounter bad weather or go missing, telling someone where you’re hiking could save your life.

What to Wear

Moisture wicking material will be your best friend. There’s nothing worse than hiking with wet clothes- whether it’s from sweat or rain. Moisture wicking clothes removes extra moisture from your body and will dry quickly if wet.

It’s also good to wear (or pack) layers so you have the option to add or remove layers based on your temperature. I also keep a raincoat in my backpack because the weather at the top of a mountain can be drastically different then the weather at the base.

In the summer I love these quick dry shorts, they’re moisture wicking and have pockets that zip to keep my items safe. They’re also the perfect length so I don’t have to worry about chaffing (my thick thigh friends know what I mean). My wife prefers to wear these lightweight pants, and UV protecting long sleeves.

I also like to keep a hat and/or sunglasses with me to protect and keep the sun out of my face.

Hiking for Beginners

I may be bias but I really do think hiking is one the best hobbies. You don’t have to be the fast hiker or go 10 miles for your first trail. Just start with an easy mile then work your way up.